NOAA awards $3.2M for marine vessel support, highlighting environmental consulting needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,224,843 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Cardinal Point Captains, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-02-01

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (GLERL) MARINE VESSEL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MUSKEGON, MUSKEGON County, MICHIGAN, 49441

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $3.2 million to CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS, INC. for work described as: GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (GLERL) MARINE VESSEL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of marine vessel support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include contractor performance and adherence to environmental standards. 4. This contract supports critical NOAA research in the Great Lakes region. 5. Environmental consulting services are a key component of NOAA's mission. 6. The contract duration of two years allows for sustained operational support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.2 million over two years for marine vessel support services seems aligned with industry standards for specialized maritime operations. Benchmarking against similar NOAA or other agency contracts for vessel crewing, maintenance, and operational support would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the absence of significant cost overruns in the provided data suggests a potentially well-managed budget. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common, warrants scrutiny to ensure efficient resource utilization.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded. This suggests a potentially limited pool of bidders compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to definitively assess the level of competition and its impact on price discovery. Further details on the reasons for excluding certain sources would clarify the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a less competitive pricing environment, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers than if a broader range of vendors had been considered.

Public Impact

The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) benefits from sustained marine vessel support. Services include crewing, operation, and maintenance of research vessels. The geographic impact is primarily focused on the Great Lakes region in Michigan. This contract supports scientific research and data collection critical for environmental understanding. The contract ensures the availability of specialized maritime personnel for NOAA's research fleet.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure if not closely monitored.
Risk of performance issues if contractor personnel lack adequate experience or training.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical vessel operations could lead to service disruptions.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition may limit the best value for taxpayers.

Positive Signals

Award to an established entity (Cardinal Point Captains, Inc.) suggests a degree of reliability.
The contract duration provides stability for NOAA's research vessel operations.
Full and open competition, even with exclusions, indicates an effort to solicit qualified vendors.
The contract supports a vital scientific mission for environmental research in the Great Lakes.

Sector Analysis

The marine vessel support services sector is critical for government agencies conducting research, surveillance, and operational missions at sea. This contract falls within the broader environmental consulting and maritime services industry. The market for such specialized services is often characterized by a mix of large, established maritime companies and smaller, niche providers. NOAA's spending in this area is consistent with its mandate to study and protect marine and coastal environments, requiring reliable access to research vessels.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Cardinal Point Captains, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Performance monitoring, adherence to delivery orders, and financial accountability are key oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Research Vessel Operations
Great Lakes Environmental Research
Maritime Support Services
Environmental Consulting Contracts
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep due to T&M pricing.
Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Contractor performance risk.
Dependence on specialized maritime personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $3.2 million to CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS, INC.. GREAT LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY (GLERL) MARINE VESSEL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-02-01. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the track record of Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with NOAA?

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for maritime services. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent and nature of their past awards, including contracts with NOAA and other agencies. Analyzing their performance history, including any past performance issues or commendations, is crucial for assessing their reliability on this current contract. Understanding their experience with similar vessel support services and their capacity to meet NOAA's specific requirements would provide further insight into their suitability as a contractor.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar marine vessel support contracts awarded by NOAA or other agencies?

To benchmark the $3.2 million award, a comparative analysis of similar marine vessel support contracts is necessary. This would involve examining contracts for vessel crewing, operation, and maintenance services awarded by NOAA or other federal agencies (e.g., Navy, Coast Guard, NSF) over the past few years. Key comparison points would include contract duration, scope of services, vessel types supported, and geographic location. If comparable contracts show similar pricing for equivalent services, it would indicate that this award is within a reasonable range. Conversely, significant deviations could signal potential overpricing or underspending.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for vessel support services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to Cardinal Point Captains, Inc., carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. The government pays for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred by the contractor, plus a fixed fee or நிர் (profit). The main risk is that without stringent oversight and clear task definitions, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates if labor hours are excessive or material costs are inflated. This necessitates robust monitoring by the government to ensure efficiency and prevent contractor inefficiencies from driving up the price. Defining clear ceilings and requiring detailed reporting are critical mitigation strategies.

How effective is the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method in ensuring competitive pricing for specialized services?

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method aims to balance the need for broad competition with specific requirements that might limit the pool of eligible bidders. While it's more competitive than a sole-source award, the exclusion of certain sources inherently restricts the number of potential bidders. The effectiveness in ensuring competitive pricing depends heavily on the justification for the exclusions and the remaining number of qualified, competing vendors. If the exclusions were narrowly defined and a sufficient number of capable vendors still participated, competitive pricing could be achieved. However, if the exclusions significantly narrowed the field, the resulting price might be higher than in a truly unrestricted competition.

What is the historical spending trend for marine vessel support services by NOAA?

Analyzing NOAA's historical spending on marine vessel support services would provide context for this $3.2 million award. This involves examining procurement data over several fiscal years to identify trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the number of contracts awarded. Understanding whether spending has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable can indicate shifts in NOAA's operational needs or budget allocations. Significant year-over-year fluctuations might warrant further investigation into the underlying causes, such as new research initiatives or changes in fleet management strategies.

What are the potential implications of this contract on NOAA's research capabilities in the Great Lakes?

This contract is directly linked to maintaining and enhancing NOAA's research capabilities within the Great Lakes region. By ensuring the availability of reliable marine vessel support services, including crewing and operational maintenance, NOAA can sustain its ongoing scientific research activities. This includes data collection, environmental monitoring, and studies related to aquatic ecosystems, climate change impacts, and resource management. The consistent support provided by this contract allows researchers to conduct fieldwork effectively, contributing to a better understanding and protection of the Great Lakes environment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Environmental Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1305M325Q0016

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cardinal Point Captains Inc.

Address: 5005 TEXAS ST, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92108

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,112,963

Exercised Options: $3,350,882

Current Obligation: $3,224,843

Actual Outlays: $1,217,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M424D0023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline